Have you ever considered how unused pharmaceuticals are disposed of within our organization?
The MDEQ has decided to allow hospitals, health clinics, pharmacies, and veterinarian offices to collect and dispose of all their pharmaceutical waste as universal waste.
By permitting pharmaceuticals to be classified as universal waste, it removes some of the regulatory burden and allows for a more simplified approach in the promotion of collection and proper disposal. Over the next few months, implementation of the pharmaceutical waste stream will occur around our institution.
Included as pharmaceutical waste are chemotherapy and other hazardous drugs, vitamins, antibiotics, and over-the-counter medications such as Advil and Tylenol.
Please note: controlled substances are NOT included in the pharmaceutical waste stream. Be on the lookout for training information and a new black waste container with the label, Universal Pharmaceutical Waste.
A similar approach is currently used for batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs and electronics used and discarded at UMHHC.
Under State of Michigan environmental disposal laws, pharmaceuticals are not considered regulated medical waste or general trash. Instead, pharmaceuticals are considered chemicals first, and therapeutic agents second according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).
Contact SMS with any comments or questions at 764-4427.
